Twentyman: The Lions like to keep three quarterbacks and Kellen Moore did more than enough this preseason to show he deserves an NFL gig. Hill, who is one of the best backups in the NFL, is also in the final year of his contract.

Twentyman: The top three were never really a doubt. Riddick has been impressive through training camp and the preseason and coaches love the versatility he gives them as a very good receiver. He could also be in the mix to return kicks. Owens, who is a core special-teamer, could headed to the short-term injured reserve list later this week.

Twentyman: The top four spots have been pretty well set for weeks. It was that fifth or sixth spot that was always the question mark. Matt Willis made a pretty good case for the job in the preseason, but in the end, Spurlock's ability to cover and return kicks won him the job. Expect rookie sixth-round pick Corey Fuller to make the practice squad if he clears waivers Sunday.

Twentyman: Williams, a seventh-round pick, was expected to get plenty of time as an extra blocker this fall but will sit his rookie season out after breaking his hand. The Lions play a lot of two-tight end sets and Fauria played well enough this preseason to show coaches he can help them, especially in the red zone.

Twentyman: The Lions starting offensive line vs. Minnesota will be Reiff, Sims, Raiola, Warford and Fox. Waddle has been very impressive so far and is on a very nice trend to helping this team sooner rather than later. Gandy and Harris won the backup guard spots because of their ability to also play center. Look for Rodney Austin to be a practice squad candidate.

Twentyman: The Lions will get plenty of special teams contributions from Whitehead, Lewis and McIntosh. Palmer has won the third linebacker job, but expect the Lions to be in the nickel about 50 percent of the time this year.

Twentyman: The Lions typically keep more defensive backs than this, but Mathis provides them a two-for-one player. His ability to play cornerback, safety and in the nickel made safety Tyrell Johnson expendable and gave the team another roster spot somewhere else. It was mildly surprising that both Ron Bartell and Chris Greenwood were cut, but coaches simply hadn't seen enough from them over the last month to warrant their inclusion on the roster. Look for Greenwood to join the practice squad.